McDonalds: "Love it" or "Leave it"
A Veteran's Story
Today, I saw the "Love it" campaign at work firsthand. It was exactly as I imagined it would be.
The "Love it" advertising campaign has been in an effort to draw in the Valentine's Day crowd. Until Feb. 14th has past, McDonalds employees will be selecting random patrons to pay for their meals with "Love". This may be anything the cashier requests, within reason.
The efforts of the McDonalds Corporation to spearhead the Valentine's Day sales time with a customer draw that appeals to the heart may be a noble effort. Even so, it is a flawed concept. Human error is the factor to which I speak.
I witnessed the manager of our local McDonalds making several decisions that seemed to myself and others as less than noble or honorable.
As my 6 yr old and I entered the establishment, we saw a very pretty young lady get some "love" from the manager. Two customers later (city worker in between), another very pretty young lady got some "love" from the manager. After her, I approached the cash register with my son in tow.
We ordered the usual for us, one kids meal and one large coffee. We rarely order more than that. I'm a Disabled American Veteran, 80% total service connected. I served proudly overseas, and I bleed "Veteran". My clothes and demeanor present this fact. My Second Infantry hat stays glued to my head with the Chief shining proudly in the center. Numerous pins and crests adorn it. I am also considered to be poor, and can not work due to my disabilities during time in service.
I wondered if my clear "Veteran" status would get me some special consideration. Sadly, it did not.
After we stood waiting for our meals for several minutes, a man entered. He was an unassuming fellow who appeared to have a nice income based upon the classy wing tips he was wearing. My judgement of this man placed him in an expensive import in an upscale neighborhood. I know this is wrong for me to do, but passing judgement is within our human nature. Also, I'm not perfect.
He was a handsome fellow that easily grabbed the cashier's attention. Her flirtatious mannerisms and bashful blushing told the tale of her true inner feelings for good looking well dressed man before her. This was clear to all who witnessed the the spectacle of giggles and winks. The manager saw this display and told her that she could "love it" to the charge for his order if she wished. So she did, but in an unorthodox way. She said that he didn't need to do anything, as if he was different or better than those others required to embarrass themselves for a free meal.
As the man stood there puzzled at whether or not to do anything as to pay for this "Love", he looked around for the answer. He looked up and down, back and forth. Then his gaze found the mark it was looking for. He turned from the cash register and walked directly toward me. With his outreached hand in front of him, I heard the words "Thank You Sir For Your Service".
I proudly said, "Your Welcome", as I stood astounded by his appreciation. He asked where all I had served, and I gave him the list. He seemed shocked at all the different places in which I was deployed. At that time he turned to the cashier and said,"Now here is someone that deserves your love"! The statement rang loud enough for everyone inside the restaurant to hear it.
The look upon the face of the staff were less than thrilled and could care less. I was appalled by their selfish attitude toward those who walk through those same doors day in and out, and are the civil servants of our community and country. This happens more and more frequently in today's society. People only show their support when it suits them, and their agenda. The rest of the time they do for themselves and their friends, and apparently those who are cute enough.
I truly applaud the thought that McDonalds has as to sharing the "love". That is a truly noble, and novel, idea in which to give back to the customers. They do deserve that I believe, even if the help is serving their own agenda. Next time though, maybe they should consider using some random tickets that the customer can "scratch to win" the meal.
The icing on the cake was the best part. The man that shook my hand came up to me after he got his meal, and offered to pay our meal. I respectfully declined and thanked him. As if it couldn't get better, he then informed me that he served in the 3rd Armored Div. I immediately shed a tear and said,"Thank You Brother"! My heart fell out of my chest. What no one knew was that I am a Veteran with severe PTSD (70% service connected). I was fighting off a panic attack, and feeling seriously depressed. Borderline suicidal as well.
I walked to the counter when my number was called with tears flooding my tired eyes. My son the only one to give me any comfort with his steadfast energy and happy go lucky attitude. We left with a sour taste in our mouths, and heavier hearts than when we entered.
With that said, I have to say I will "Leave it"! Maybe the next time I choose a lunch spot where I'll "Get It My Way".
#TYFYS
Patrick C. Sullivan
Executive Director and Founder
Veterans PTSD, Inc.
Editor in Chief
The Veterans PTSD Informant
We ordered the usual for us, one kids meal and one large coffee. We rarely order more than that. I'm a Disabled American Veteran, 80% total service connected. I served proudly overseas, and I bleed "Veteran". My clothes and demeanor present this fact. My Second Infantry hat stays glued to my head with the Chief shining proudly in the center. Numerous pins and crests adorn it. I am also considered to be poor, and can not work due to my disabilities during time in service.
I wondered if my clear "Veteran" status would get me some special consideration. Sadly, it did not.
After we stood waiting for our meals for several minutes, a man entered. He was an unassuming fellow who appeared to have a nice income based upon the classy wing tips he was wearing. My judgement of this man placed him in an expensive import in an upscale neighborhood. I know this is wrong for me to do, but passing judgement is within our human nature. Also, I'm not perfect.
He was a handsome fellow that easily grabbed the cashier's attention. Her flirtatious mannerisms and bashful blushing told the tale of her true inner feelings for good looking well dressed man before her. This was clear to all who witnessed the the spectacle of giggles and winks. The manager saw this display and told her that she could "love it" to the charge for his order if she wished. So she did, but in an unorthodox way. She said that he didn't need to do anything, as if he was different or better than those others required to embarrass themselves for a free meal.
As the man stood there puzzled at whether or not to do anything as to pay for this "Love", he looked around for the answer. He looked up and down, back and forth. Then his gaze found the mark it was looking for. He turned from the cash register and walked directly toward me. With his outreached hand in front of him, I heard the words "Thank You Sir For Your Service".
I proudly said, "Your Welcome", as I stood astounded by his appreciation. He asked where all I had served, and I gave him the list. He seemed shocked at all the different places in which I was deployed. At that time he turned to the cashier and said,"Now here is someone that deserves your love"! The statement rang loud enough for everyone inside the restaurant to hear it.
The look upon the face of the staff were less than thrilled and could care less. I was appalled by their selfish attitude toward those who walk through those same doors day in and out, and are the civil servants of our community and country. This happens more and more frequently in today's society. People only show their support when it suits them, and their agenda. The rest of the time they do for themselves and their friends, and apparently those who are cute enough.
I truly applaud the thought that McDonalds has as to sharing the "love". That is a truly noble, and novel, idea in which to give back to the customers. They do deserve that I believe, even if the help is serving their own agenda. Next time though, maybe they should consider using some random tickets that the customer can "scratch to win" the meal.
The icing on the cake was the best part. The man that shook my hand came up to me after he got his meal, and offered to pay our meal. I respectfully declined and thanked him. As if it couldn't get better, he then informed me that he served in the 3rd Armored Div. I immediately shed a tear and said,"Thank You Brother"! My heart fell out of my chest. What no one knew was that I am a Veteran with severe PTSD (70% service connected). I was fighting off a panic attack, and feeling seriously depressed. Borderline suicidal as well.
I walked to the counter when my number was called with tears flooding my tired eyes. My son the only one to give me any comfort with his steadfast energy and happy go lucky attitude. We left with a sour taste in our mouths, and heavier hearts than when we entered.
With that said, I have to say I will "Leave it"! Maybe the next time I choose a lunch spot where I'll "Get It My Way".
#TYFYS
Patrick C. Sullivan
Executive Director and Founder
Veterans PTSD, Inc.
Editor in Chief
The Veterans PTSD Informant
